2010 Foreign Player Candidates

by Patrick Newman (Nov 12, 2009)

There's always a high turnover among foreign players in Japan. This year will be no different, with 30 players already gone from their 2009 employers. By the end of next season, we'll have seen 35-45 new players in Japan.

Like most years, the biggest needs around the league are corner
outfielders, pitchers, and first basemen. There will be a couple third
base and DH spots open as well.

This is mostly my own speculation. Some of the names came out of the
Japanese media, but many have not, so take this list with a grain of
salt.

Possible Returnees

CJ Nitkowski - seemed like he had a deal to go back to Japan before Doosan snapped him up off waivers from SK

Rick Guttormson - Orix is looking at bringing Gutto back from Korea; has an NPB no-hitter to his name

Brad Thomas - Thomas has spent the last year or two in Korea, is on Hanshin's list